The Big Easy chooses Axis Communications’ network cameras for a glimpse into the city streets

Press release

31 July, 2018
- Chelmsford, Massachusetts, USA

New Orleans integrates a wide variety of Axis network cameras around the city with the Real Time Crime Center enabling first responders to improve incident response and increase efficiency through collaboration with the 911 dispatch center.

Axis Communications, the market leader in network video, today announced its collaboration with The New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness to provide law enforcement and first responders with immediate situational awareness by live streaming video data into the New Orleans Real Time Crime Center.

After introducing the Citywide Public Safety Project, New Orleans, Louisiana set its mission to incorporate video surveillance technology with the 911 dispatch center and geolocation data in the New Orleans Real Time Crime Center. When an emergency call comes into the dispatch center, the live feed from a nearby camera appears on the wall monitors. The Crime Center Technician is then able to validate, escalate and guide police, Emergency Medical Services and partner agencies with real-time updates for more efficient responses.

As a popular tourist destination with world-renowned festivals, celebrations and events, the Crime Center has proven to be a real force multiplier. During the 2018 Mardi Gras, law enforcement and partner agencies had real-time information on the size of crowds and incidents along the parade routes to successfully address over 50 cases that were escalated from the Crime Center.

“New Orleans is a city with a population of around 400,000, with a police force of approximately 1,200. We are able to compete successfully for special events against larger cities due in large part to unique ability to handle big crowds,” said Ross Bourgeois, Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for the City of New Orleans. “That’s due to the professionalism, training and experience of our officers--- and it’s due in part to our use of Axis technology to support the situational awareness shared from the Real Time Crime Center.”

Beyond events and post-incident evidence, the city also incorporates video surveillance to better utilize resources on a regular basis. There have been scenarios where police officers have seen a camera at the scene of an automobile crash. The officer can then contact the Crime Center Technician to quickly gather video evidence.

Reliable, accurate information from the surveillance cameras requires strategic placement, which is a great challenge for New Orleans as a historic city below sea level. There are hurricanes, road dust, pollen as well as historic ordinances and structural guidelines. Rather than adjusting camera placement to accommodate these factors, the extensive Axis portfolio allows the city to mount cameras in the perfect spot that adheres to the city’s surveillance needs.

As a result, New Orleans installed over ten different network camera models. Noteworthy is the AXIS Q60 PTZ Network Camera Series throughout the infamous Bourbon Street. Having joint PTZ and panoramic views at intersections provides clear visuals along all four streets at a given time. Covering any blind spots within the blocks are AXIS Q37 Network Cameras. The team was also amazed at how Axis Sharpdome technology with the unique Axis speed dry function can overcome weather elements that would otherwise require staff to clean the camera lenses on a regular basis.

“We’re excited that New Orleans, Louisiana chose to partner with Axis Communications on this project,” stated Steve Darragh, Business Area Director, South Central, Axis Communications, Inc. “Through our partnership we’re not only able to protect visitors and citizens of New Orleans, but we’re also able to help the city streamline their emergency response processes.”

This project concludes phase one of integrating the municipal’s cameras throughout the city. New Orleans continues to work with Axis on next phases to incorporate a community outreach program with local businesses and neighborhoods to integrate private, external security cameras into the New Orleans Real Time Crime Center.

About Axis Communications

Axis enables a smarter and safer world by creating network solutions that provide insights for improving security and new ways of doing business. As the industry leader in network video, Axis offers products and services for video surveillance and analytics, access control, and audio systems. Axis has more than 3,000 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborates with partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984 and has its headquarters in Lund, Sweden.
For more information about Axis, please visit our website www.axis.com